Quick Facts
Biography
Alexander Zonjic (pronounced Zon-chick) (born April 30, 1951) is a professional flutist born in Windsor, Ontario, who performs both light jazz and classical compositions. Zonjic initially played guitar at age 9, and by age 15 he was lead guitarist in a local rhythm and blues band. At age 21, Zonjic purchased his first flute from a street vendor asking $50. He was impressed with the potential the instrument had, and had mastered the basics of it by the year's end.
At the age of 22, Zonjic auditioned at the University of Windsor, where he was accepted and studied the works of past masters such as Mozart and Bach. It did not take long for instructors to notice his gift with the flute. Upon graduation, Zonjic continued his studies under the tutelage of Ervin Monroe, principal flutist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. While still active as a performing guitarist, he began teaching flute privately. Zonjic credits the music of Hubert Laws and Herbie Mann as early influences that helped him find his own style.
Over the years Zonjic has been a sideman with many musicians and has several solo albums to date. He has shared stages with such musicians as Earl Klugh, Harvey Mason, Kirk Whalum and Angela Bofill. Zonjic is also a member of the Bob James' band. Zonjic has done performances at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and the Apollo Theater in New York City and has also performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
Since 1997, Alexander Zonjic was the morning show host of WVMV, now WDZH-FM (Smooth Jazz V98.7), a smooth jazz radio station in Detroit, Michigan until CBS Radio ceased broadcasting smooth jazz over the airwaves on October 2, 2009. WDZH is now airing a Top 40 (CHR) format branded as "Amp." He presently hosts a syndicated radio show called Alexander Zonjic From A to Z, which airs on Hamilton's 94.7 The Wave and on WDZH's HD2 channel.
Discography
- Doin' the D (Heads Up International, 2009)
- Seldom Blues (Heads Up, 2004)
- Reach for the Sky (Heads Up, 2001)
- Pipers Holiday (Hi-Falutin Music, 1995)
- Passion (Reprise, 1993)
- Neon (Reprise, 1991)
- Elegant Evening (Inner City, 1988)
- Romance With You (Optimism, 1988)
- When Is It Real? (1987)
- The Classical Album (1981)
- Alexander Zonjic (1978)